Connect 2024 Crosses the Finish Line
May 23, 2024 by Philip Wood
Attendees preparing to call it a wrap on Connect 2024.
Connect 2024 crossed the finish line on Wednesday after four full-throttled days of learning, networking, and fun in “The Racing Capital of the World.” And what a journey it was!
The packed Connect 2024 had offered something for everyone, ranging from inspirational speakers to hands-on training, from innovative product demos to dancing like it was 1985.
Technology and Government Transformation
Tyler President and CEO Lynn Moore met with state innovators and tech leaders gathered at the Connected States Leadership Forum on Monday.
Time Well Spent
Stopping by the red-carpet area of the Solutions Hub, Brianna Turner, a Programmer Analyst 2 with the city of Huntsville, Alabama, shared her assessment of Connect 2024.
“I work in IT, so I'm always looking for new tricks of the trade,” she said. “[The people here] do really well in letting us know the little details that we need, so I love Tyler!
The Solutions Hub was the Go-to Place for product demos, podcasting, and even free photo headshots (below).
“Cool Features” and Connecting at Connect
Haritha Dasari and Aline Martinez from IDEA Public Schools in Texas also swung by the Solutions Hub for a photo opp and to share their experiences. “This is my second Connect, and I am so in love with it,” said Dasari, pictured left. “I enjoy every single session. There are so many cool features that I learned that I want to go back to my district and implement.”
For Martinez, pictured right, the high point of Connect 2024 had been the high-octane networking with peers from around the country.
“For me, it's been getting to know more people, connecting,” she said. “We work from home, so we don't really get to hang out with others.”
Cognitive Fuel
Black Ambition CEO Felecia Hatcher energized a packed auditorium and met with attendees afterward.
On Tuesday morning hundreds of attendees were treated to an inspiring presentation by personal transformation speaker, entrepreneur, and author Felecia Hatcher. The CEO of Pharrell Williams' Black Ambition Opportunity Fund and author of Genius Jam more than lived up to her billing with a speech calling on attendees to pursue their aspirations with confidence and purpose.
Bike Challenge Reaches 500-Mile Target
Nine13sports’ Nathan Smurdon, flanked by bikers who took part in the challenge, receives a $15,000 check from Tyler.
Many a Connect 2024 attendee hopped on a stationary bike in the Innovation Hub in a bid to reach the 500-mile goal and help disadvantaged youth in Indianapolis get more active and find joy in exercise.
Although some admitted to feeling a little sore afterward, Team Collect’s collective hustle paid off –- literally –- when the goal was reached, and a $15,000 check was awarded to organizers Nine13sports.
“Because we’re here in Indianapolis, it’s important to be able to leave a really remarkable footprint and [demonstrate] how the bike can empower kids to live a healthier lifestyle,” Kirsten Gappelberg, senior director of strategic communications at Tyler, said in an interview with local media.
Connect 2024 on Social
As many attendees and Tyler employees know, social media remains the best place to stay constantly plugged in with Connect. Following Tyler Technologies and using #TylerConnect is a great way to connect during and after the conference and to see highlights from the four-day event. Post and tag pictures of yourself, your team, or other sights around Connect to be featured in Tyler's Connect 2024 photo album on Facebook!
High-Octane Humor
Connect 2024 entered its final lap on Tuesday with an evening dedicated to fun, fun, fun. Festivities kicked off with a set by Leanne Morgan, a rising comedic star who has been selling out shows across the country — and for good reason.
“I’m so tickled to be here tonight,” she said, praising “all the frontline people [here] that are taking care of everyone in the United States. Thank you for everything that you all do!”
The 1980s: Gone but Not Forgotten
From there it was on to the arcade space for photo opps with Star Wars characters, video games played on giant screens, and, of course, cutting the rug on an electric dancefloor.
A group of Connect 2024 attendees show today’s kids how it’s done.
Some at Connect 2024 were too young to remember the decade of breakdancing, neon colors, big hair, and spandex. But those who lived through the era schooled the young folks in all of this, and more.
After a night spent in the 1980s, attendees were back in sessions Wednesday morning before heading home with the knowledge and insights they will use in building stronger, connected communities.
Tyler extends its gratitude to all those who joined us from near and far — and looks forward to reuniting next year in San Antonio, Texas, for Connect 2025!